Letter from Dave Prentis

Dear colleague
Branches and members will have by now received the results of the ballot
over the NJC pay offer. As a result of the ‘yes’ vote, the Industrial Action
Committee has given the ‘go ahead’ for all-out strike action on 16 and
17 July.
Taking strike action is never an easy decision for members or for the union.
We prefer to do what we do best – provide quality services for the public.
But having won a ‘yes’ vote for action, it is now up to the union at all
levels to deliver on that action and make the employers come back to the
negotiating table.
And that means all of us. We need stewards and reps who are in daily
contact with members to get the maximum possible turnout. Members
facing the expense of summer holidays and new school uniforms might
wonder whether losing pay in a strike is worth it. We have to convince them
that it’s the strength of turn-out which will make the strike successful.
A large turn-out will send a clear message to the employers that they must
improve their offer and show members the respect they deserve.
UNISON will be putting all its resources into making sure that our members
on NJC pay and conditions – the worst pay and conditions in the public
sector - make this action a huge success and get the employers back to the
negotiating table.
Please support your union – together we can make a difference.
Best wishes
Dave Prentis
General Secretary.